Determination of smooth pursuit eye movement velocity in humans by computer.

Smooth pursuit eye movements are the output of a system closely related to visual suppression of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, and impairment of these functions when performing day-to-day activities may be important. Smooth pursuit velocity has been assessed using a computerized electro-oculographic technique based on the amount of saccadic activity detected throughout a range of visual target velocities spanning the capability of the smooth pursuit system. Each test session lasts 2 min. With this technique the effects on smooth pursuit of various centrally acting compounds have been demonstrated in healthy subjects. Healthy females had lower smooth pursuit velocities when compared to age-matched males. A linear correlation was shown between smooth pursuit velocity determined by the computer technique and by a previously reported visual method. Such measures have wide application in neurological diagnosis and in the assessment of the central effects of drugs in man.